MARTIN O'Neill celebrated his first victory as Aston Villa manager but admitted "there is plenty to do" after new skipper Gareth Barry's headed goal disposed of Premiership newcomers Reading.

More than 37,000 fans braved the elements to witness O'Neill's debut home match as Villa boss and saw their side recover from trailing to Kevin Doyle's early goal to take the three points.

But, although delighted with the victory and the supporters' response, O'Neill knows there is much work needed to be undertaken plus moves into the transfer market before the window closes in seven days time.

O'Neill said: "I was delighted with the response of the fans, especially with the weather as it was. For 37,000 to come to the game was fantastic.

"But in the future they will be probably looking for a wee bit more from us and we hope we can provide that for them.

"I am satisfied with the win but we have got plenty to do. We can definitely improve. We will definitely get better. These are early days."

Villa's already small squad has been further stretched by the departure of midfielder Mathieu Berson and striker Kevin Phillips.

O'Neill admitted: "In terms of signings, we need to do something. I am aware of that. There are seven days to go until the window shuts. I know the number of minutes that are left! We have got to do something."

The former Celtic boss also reiterated his desire to retain the services of the unsettled Barry who was deservedly chosen as man of the match by the Villa fans.

He said: "Gareth was terrific. He played well and scored a fantastic goal to win the game for us. We want to keep him. We are in the process of doing something about it. I want him to stay. It is really important that he stays."

Reading manager Steve Coppell was aggrieved by the red card awarded against defender Ibrahima Sonko for a professional foul on Luke Moore which led to the penalty converted by Juan Pablo Angel for the Villa equaliser.

He said: "Our player just got into a tangle with their player and the letter of the law says there has to be intent. He is not stupid. He is not deliberately going to bring a player down there.

"All defenders know now it is better losing the goal rather than the player in those circumstances.

"Our player just got himself into a tangle on a slippery surface and the referee (Lee Mason) produced the quickest card I have ever seen."